Remove Microsoft Store and Mail icons for Windows 10 through GPO

Question

Good afternoon all, I have a client requesting that we remove the Microsoft Store and Mail icons from users tasbbars via GPO. While removing store is simple enough, removing mail has me asking a question. In an article I found (https://deploymentresearch.com/removing-windows-store-and-mail-icon-from-the-windows-10-v1703-taskbar/) it says to create an XML file and then attach it to your Start Layout policy. Now on my 2019 server I see a Start Screen Layout, but not Start Layout. Perhaps they are one in the same, but I do not want to risk blowing up users start menu's if this were not the case. So that is my question to you all, is Start Screen Layout and Start layout one in the same? Is it safe to create XML file and then attach it via the GPO policy? Thank you all for your help, it is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

On my Windows Server 2019, the setting is named Start Layout rather than Start Screen Layout in Computer Configuration and User Configuration. The method you mentioned is link is available.

Also, we usually think Start Screen Layout and Start Layout is a same thing.
Reference
Configure Windows 10 taskbar
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/configure-windows-10-taskbar

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